During the first Saturday of Operation Clean Sweep, DeKalb County crews removed more than 50 tons of debris from a 12-mile stretch of South Stone Mountain-Lithonia, Panola and Redan roads.

“Operation Clean Sweep is an initiative created by DeKalb CEO Michael Thurmond, voted on by the commissioners and organized across several DeKalb departments,” said Director of Beautification Marcus Kellum. “We all know what we need to do, and we’re ready to do it.”

At the kickoff Saturday, CEO Thurmond honored DeKalb resident Cynthia Houston who helped inspire the Operation Clean Sweep initiative.

“Long before I ever thought about being CEO, I noticed Ms. Houston always out on the side of the road, picking up trash, no matter the weather,” said CEO Thurmond. “We’re kicking off Operation Clean Sweep today in her honor.”

“You have to have respect for where you live and your environment,” said Houston. “If you don’t, then nobody else will.”

On March 18, an Operation Clean Sweep crew will travel north on Panola Road from Snapfinger Road to Salem Road. Motorists are advised to drive with caution around employees and equipment.